Learning new things can sometimes be hard. People often feel stressed or confused when there is too much information to take in at once. This happens because our brains can only handle so much information at a time. When there’s too much to process, learning becomes harder.

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) helps explain how our brain processes and stores new information. By understanding how our brain works when we learn, we can design better ways for people to learn, especially in e-learning. E-learning is when people learn through online courses. A well-designed course can help learners understand and remember what they are learning. But if the course is confusing or too hard, learners might forget the material or feel frustrated.

In this blog, we will explain how Cognitive Load Theory works and how it affects e-learning. We will also give tips on how to design e-learning courses that help learners take in information easily.

What is Cognitive Load Theory?

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) was created by John Sweller in the 1980s. It explains how our brain processes and stores information. The main idea is that our brains have limited working memory. This means we can only handle a small amount of information at a time. If we try to take in too much information at once, it can become difficult to learn.

Think of your working memory as a small cup. If you pour too much water into it, the water will spill out. The same thing happens when the brain gets overloaded with information. It can’t keep everything, and learning becomes harder.

Three Main Types of Cognitive Load

There are three main types of cognitive load that affect learning:

1. Intrinsic Load (Natural Difficulty of the Topic)

Intrinsic load is the effort needed to learn a topic. Some subjects are harder to learn than others. For example, learning basic math is easier than learning advanced calculus. The difficulty of a subject can’t always be changed, but we can break it down into smaller pieces to make it easier to learn. When lessons are well-organized and simple, learners can understand the material better.

2. Extraneous Load (Unnecessary Effort Caused by Poor Design)

Extraneous load is the effort spent on things that don’t help learning. This happens when the design of the course makes it harder for learners to focus on the main topic. For example:

• Using long, complicated sentences
• Too many flashy animations or music
• Putting too much information on one page
• Badly organized content that doesn’t flow well
• Reducing extraneous load means cutting out anything that distracts from the learning, like unnecessary images or confusing designs. That’s why many modern educators now explore advanced multimedia strategies for online education that are more aligned with how the brain learns best.

3. Germane Load (Useful Effort That Helps Learning)

Germane load is the mental effort used to understand and organize new information. This is the “good” type of load because it helps learners connect new information with what they already know.

For example, using examples or showing how ideas are related helps learners understand new concepts. Well-organized lessons that build on what learners already know can also help.

A good e-learning course should reduce extraneous load and increase germane load. This way, learners can focus on understanding and remembering what they learn.

How Cognitive Load Affects E-Learning

E-learning is used in schools, businesses, and training programs. But not all e-learning courses are designed well. Some courses give too much information at once, making it hard for learners to focus. Others don’t give enough help, which can make learners feel confused.

Common mistakes in e-learning design include:

• Putting too much information on one screen
• Using difficult words or long, complicated sentences
• Adding too many images, animations, or music that distract from the content
• Repeating the same information without adding anything new
• Expecting learners to memorize too much content without any practice

 

 

When cognitive load is too high, learners can’t focus and forget things quickly. Some might even quit the course. But when cognitive load is managed well, learners can remember what they’ve learned without feeling overwhelmed.

This is especially important in blended learning environments, where learners engage with both digital and in-person formats. Blended learning allows educators to control the pace and format of content delivery, reducing overload and maximizing the impact of customer education.

Next, let’s look at ways to reduce cognitive load and make e-learning more effective.

How to Reduce Cognitive Load in E-Learning in 12 Easy Steps

To make e-learning better, we need to apply Cognitive Load Theory and design courses that help learners without overwhelming them. Here are 12 easy ways to reduce cognitive load and improve learning:

1. Break Information into Small Parts

Instead of giving long lessons, break the information into small sections. Each section should focus on one key idea. This helps learners take in the information little by little.

2. Use Simple and Clear Language

Avoid using difficult words and long sentences. Simple words and short sentences make it easier for learners to understand what they need to learn.

3. Use Visuals to Support Learning

The brain understands pictures faster than text. Using images like diagrams or charts can help explain tough ideas. But make sure the visuals are directly related to the content. Too many pictures can distract learners and add to cognitive load.

4. Avoid Too Much Text on One Screen

Long blocks of text can overwhelm learners. Instead, use short bullet points to show the main ideas. If you need to provide more information, put it on a separate page or in a section that can be expanded.

5. Combine Text and Audio Carefully

If you use both text and audio, make sure they support each other instead of repeating the same information. For example, show the main points on the screen while explaining them in the audio.

6. Provide Step-by-Step Guidance

New learners need help understanding difficult topics. Start with simple ideas and gradually move to harder ones. Giving step-by-step instructions helps learners understand the content better.

7. Keep Related Information Together

If text and visuals are far apart on the screen, learners have to jump back and forth between them. This increases cognitive load. Keep related information close together to help learners understand and remember better.

8. Encourage Active Learning

Active learning (like doing exercises or taking quizzes) helps learners engage with the material. This is more effective than just watching videos or reading. Active learning helps learners remember and apply what they’ve learned.

9. Keep the Course Design Clean and Simple

A simple, organized design helps learners focus on the content. Avoid cluttering the page with too many elements. Keep the layout clean with easy-to-read fonts and colors.

10. Allow Learners to Control Their Pace

Every learner learns at a different speed. Allow them to pause, rewind, or revisit sections of the course. This lets learners learn at their own pace without feeling rushed.

11. Use Real-Time Feedback

Giving immediate feedback helps learners correct mistakes and reinforces what they’ve learned. For example, after a quiz, explain why an answer was wrong so learners can understand the mistake.

12. Gather Feedback to Improve the Course

Getting feedback from learners helps you know which parts of the course are hard to understand. You can then change the content to make it easier to learn.

Conclusion

Cognitive Load Theory helps us understand how the brain works when we learn. By using this theory, course designers can create e-learning courses that make learning easier and more effective.

The key to a good e-learning course is to remove distractions, break down complicated topics, and give clear instructions. When cognitive load is managed properly, learners can focus, remember more, and apply their knowledge better.

By following these steps, educators and trainers can create e-learning courses that really help learners succeed.

For a deeper understanding of how learning standards and tracking tools fit into this, explore our blog on xAPI and SCORM – what educators need to know.